11 seated in third attempt to try Osco murder case

July 07, 2006|VIRGINIA BLACK Tribune Staff Writer

NEW CASTLE -- Jury selection began Thursday in the triple murder trial of Christopher Allen. Eleven jurors were selected, meaning selection will continue today. Prospective jurors talked about the fact the case is 16 years old. Special prosecutor Michael McAlexander told them, "We all know memories fade, and we'll have to sort through those issues." One prospective juror said, "Frankly, I'm having a problem with the length of time it took to get to this case." McAlexander said, "I'm going to be honest with you. Some witnesses have died or are not in good condition. You're going to have to sort through all of that. That will be the same whether the crime occurred three months earlier or 30 years earlier." Another prospective juror said, "I'm not going to lie. It's not going to be easy to forget that it's taken so long to resolve this case for everybody involved." Some in the jury pool were emotional; they don't know anything about this case. The jurors who were selected all said they could be fair, and that they didn't have preconceived notions on whether the man sitting there at the defense table was guilty or innocent. They all said they didn't have hardships that would make it difficult to sit through a two-week trial. That's the length of time attorneys believe it will take. Allen was there Thursday and looked very somber, exactly as he did when he sat through the trial the second time four years ago. He didn't react to anything in court. Opening arguments are still expected Monday morning. Staff writer Virginia Black: vblack@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6321